Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the Ministry of Climate Change to begin preparations for next year’s monsoon season immediately.

He ordered the submission of a comprehensive strategy within two weeks to minimise the adverse impacts of climate change, including heavy rains and floods.

Chairing a high-level meeting on the recent torrential rains, floods and ongoing relief activities, the prime minister said that the rehabilitation of victims remains the government’s top priority and assured that the federal government stands ready to provide all-out assistance to provincial authorities.

Officials briefed the meeting that rehabilitation work will begin after the final spell of the monsoon, while at present, all available resources and manpower are focused on rescue, relief, and evacuation operations.

The flood surge in the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers has now reached central and southern Punjab and will soon pass through Panjnad, where preparations have been completed to withstand flows of 1–1.2 million cusecs.

In Multan, the civil administration, Pakistan Army, and rescue agencies are working to manage the flood surge without breaching embankments.

According to the briefing, 80% of power restoration has been achieved in the country’s northern and central regions. Damaged bridges and highways have been repaired and reopened to restore connectivity.

More than two million people were evacuated in time from flood-hit areas, while over 4,100 stranded individuals were rescued.

The federal government has dispatched over 6,300 tons of relief goods, and more than 2,400 medical camps have been set up to provide healthcare to the affected population.

Financial support for the deceased and injured is being facilitated with the help of NADRA.

The prime minister instructed provincial governments to ensure constant monitoring of evacuation and relief operations, and directed the formation of a committee to extend financial assistance to unregistered victims as well.

He praised the efforts of NDMA, PDMAs, the Pakistan Army, and federal and provincial rescue agencies for their timely rescue and relief work.